Growing Tomorrow's Leaders Through Sustainability and Resilience
At AFTI, we bridge the gap between local agriculture, schools, and communities to create hands-on learning experiences that promote sustainability and resilience across all generations.
At American Farm to Institute (AFTI), we are dedicated to fostering communities by integrating sustainable agricultural practices into schools, communities, and homes. Our hands-on programs are designed to inspire resilience and empower students to understand food systems, sustainability, and environmental stewardship through engaging learning experiences. We envision a future where every student, teacher, and community member is equipped with the knowledge and skills to build a sustainable, resilient world, starting with the food they eat and the communities they grow in.
How We Work with Schools
Bringing Sustainability to the Classroom
AFTI is working alongside schools across America to make sustainability an integral part of students' education. Our hands-on programs offer opportunities for students and staff to engage in real-world applications of sustainable practices that will help them tackle the environmental challenges of the future.
Our School Partnerships
We work with a diverse range of schools from elementary schools to high schools. Each partnership is tailored to meet the specific needs of each school, while supporting our mission of promoting sustainability and community resilience.
Signature Programs & Initiatives
Each of our programs is designed to engage students, foster community involvement, and teach sustainable practices that can be applied both in the classroom and at home.
The Pumpkin Patch Program
Students learn about plant life cycles, seasonal growing, and the local food system by growing and harvesting pumpkins, which also provides a platform for community celebrations.
Hydroponic Heroes
Our hydroponics program teaches students about soil-free growing methods, fostering scientific knowledge and sustainable urban farming solutions. Students can harvest fresh produce year-round, regardless of weather, promoting local and sustainable food sources.
School Gardens
School gardens are the heart of AFTI’s approach to hands-on learning. These gardens teach students about sustainable food systems, gardening practices, and nutrition while encouraging teamwork and community engagement. Students plant, nurture, and harvest a variety of crops, building their understanding of where their food comes from and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Home Gardens Initiative
We extend sustainability education to families by providing garden kits and offering workshops for home gardeners, allowing communities to grow food at home and learn valuable skills for self-sufficiency. This initiative strengthens bonds between families, schools, and the environment.
Composting & Food Waste Reduction
A key part of our sustainability education is teaching students how to reduce food waste and create valuable compost for use in school gardens. We implement comprehensive food waste programs where students:
Convert cafeteria food waste into nutrient-rich compost
Apply compost in school gardens to close the loop of food systems
Track and measure their impact on waste reduction, learning how these practices can be adopted at home and in their communities
Participate in school-wide recycling initiatives that reinforce the curriculum and promote sustainable habits
Farm-to-School Connections
By facilitating connections between local farmers and schools, we help students understand where their food comes from, while also supporting farm-to-cafeteria initiatives. This connection promotes a local food economy and supports students’ engagement in the larger food system.
Results that Matter
AFTI's efforts are already making a tangible impact on local communities on average per school district:
3,000 students engaged annually
500+ pounds of fresh produce grown in school gardens
125+ pounds of food waste diverted through composting
Increased environmental literacy and nutritional awareness
Partner with Us
We invite institutions, schools, and organizations to join us in this critical work. Your support can help us expand our reach, deepen our impact, and provide even more opportunities for students to learn about sustainability and being resilient.
Volunteer: Help with garden workdays, composting initiatives, and workshops.
Collaborate: Partner with us on grant initiatives or sustainability projects.
Advocate: Spread the word about the importance of community sustainability education.